SZA recently sat down with i-D Magazine, where she discussed everything from new music to the state of affairs in the White House. However, it’s her comments on the rising use of artificial intelligence in music, specifically Black music, that caught folks’ attention. In her opinion, there is a larger war going on between those who want to preserve music’s humanity and those who would rather take a shortcut. “I feel like I’m at war because of AI,” she says. According to the TDE singer, Black music has been “disproportionately” affected under the guise of embracing technology. “Why am I hearing AI covers of Olivia Dean, when Olivia Dean just came the f*ck out? She can’t even collect the streams. I’m also really offended by the type of Black music that’s coming out of AI. Weird, stereotypical struggle music.” SZA says her biggest competition isn’t the pop or R&B girlies, but “anti-intellectualism and doing things easy.” She added, “The type of blend of information my human experience provides, AI can’t even be prompted to f*ck with. I want to just let this angst drive me into bizarre directions.” View this post on Instagram “A.I. is killing and polluting Black and Brown cities,” the singer wrote in a Instagram Story post last july This isn’t the first time the singer raised alarm bells surrounding the rising use of A.I. Last summer, she spoke out about the damage artificial intelligence was doing to Black and brown communities. “Please Google how much energy and pollution it takes to run AI,” she wrote in an Instagram Story post last July. “Please Google the beautiful black cities like Memphis that are SUFFERING because of Twitter’s new AI system.” She added, “PLEASE JUST GOOGLE ENVIRONMENTAL RACISM. ” “AI doesn’t give a f–k if you live or die, I promise. THERE IS A PRICE FOR CONVENIENCE AND BLACK AND BROWN [people] WILL PAY THE BRUNT OF IT EVERY TIME.” Just a day prior, in another IG Story post, she shared similar sentiments, “AI is killing and polluting Black and Brown cities. None of you care ‘cause [you’re] codependent on a machine. Have a great life.”

Earlier this week, the popular online dictionary added a few new entries to its online database. The latest word drop—which includes over 1,500 new dictionary terms—highlights different fandoms that span across media, entertainment, gaming, music, and more. Beyoncé’s “Beyhive” was among those that made the cut. The phrase, commonly used to describe Beyoncé’s fanbase and online community, has been around since the early to mid-2000s, but gained steam in the 2010s. “These words are new terms popping up everywhere, plus some words you may already know that have recently been added to the dictionary,” the company shared in an X(formerly Twitter) post. “As fandoms grow, the language that fans use to describe themselves becomes more common. Potterhead, Trekkie, Swiftie, Deadhead, Whovian, and Beyhive are just a few terms you might have come across!” Are you part of any fandoms? Our Word Drop is packed with over 1,500 new dictionary entries. This first drop of the year highlights words recently added to the dictionary. These words are new terms popping up everywhere, plus some words you may already know that have recently… pic.twitter.com/et3kKYGY4X — Dictionary.com (@Dictionarycom) March 5, 2026 Beyoncé’s Net Worth Surpasses $1 Billion In other news, Beyoncé has reached a financial milestone few entertainers ever touch, officially entering the billionaire ranks.  Forbes confirmed the achievement back in December, placing her among a select group of artists whose careers have translated into lasting wealth. The moment follows the runaway success of her Cowboy Carter tour. This genre-bending run pushed country music into stadium-sized territory. Even by Beyoncé’s standards, the scale of the accomplishment is striking. Launched in April with a marquee opening in Inglewood, California, the tour stretched across North America before wrapping in July in Paradise, Nevada. Over 32 shows, Beyoncé delivered performances that proved as lucrative as they were ambitious. Pollstar reported more than $400 million in ticket sales. Additionally, merchandise brought in an additional $50 million. The numbers place Cowboy Carter among the highest-grossing tours in modern music history.

R&B legend Kem joins Hot 97’s Morning Show to discuss his latest single “One Love,” leaving Motown after 23 years to launch Chemistry Records, and his upcoming jazz project “Alchemy” featuring Robert Glasper. In this in-depth conversation, Kem shares: Why he left Motown to go independent and focus on ownership The meaning behind “One Love” and merging the spiritual with the sensual Life with 8 kids and balancing family with music His songwriting process and waiting for the miracle to happen Paying homage to Al Jarreau with the Alchemy project Viral moments with the Cadillac Chronicles His perspective on love in music and life after 10 years of marriage Advice for connecting with true fans vs. chasing followers Upcoming sold-out shows at Blue Note (March 5-8) Kem reflects on his 23-year career, from pressing his own CDs as an independent artist to his successful Motown run, and now returning to independence with Chemistry Records. He discusses how the next generation is discovering his music through TikTok and social media, and why ownership and equity matter in this season of his career.

Akon is weighing in on the global dominance of Bad Bunny—and how it compares to the run of Drake. During a February 25 appearance on the Kid L podcast, Akon pointed to Bad Bunny’s historic residency in Puerto Rico as proof of the Latin superstar’s cultural reach. The residency drew massive crowds throughout the summer of 2025 and quickly became one of the most talked-about concert runs in recent memory. Akon highlighted the scale of the accomplishment while discussing the Puerto Rican artist’s ability to dominate a single market. “That man sold 30 dates in Puerto Rico in one location,” Akon said. “Sold out 30 shows at the arena in one city.” Akon says Drake can’t sell out 30 dates in one city in America or Canada as Bad Bunny did in Puerto Rico. “I love Drake, but do you think he can sell that many arenas in America or even in Canada? I can see maybe 10 /15. pic.twitter.com/HoFe7d9YwG — No Jumper (@nojumper) February 26, 2026 The “Locked Up” singer framed the achievement as rare in modern music, comparing the moment to legendary pop performances of the past. “That’s the kind of run Michael Jackson was doing,” Akon said. “Fifty dates in one location.” Still, Akon questioned whether Drake—despite his streaming dominance and chart success—could match that type of concentrated demand in North America. Akon Claims Rapper Drake Can’t Sell Out A 30-Day Residency Like Bad Bunny “I mean, I love Drake,” Akon said. “But do you think he can sell that many arenas in America or even in Canada? I can see maybe 10 or 15.” Despite the comparison, Akon made it clear he still views Drake as the benchmark for commercial success in today’s music industry. “I compare everybody to Drake, including myself,” he explained. “Like, he’s the top-tier artist right now, in numbers.” Bad Bunny’s residency also created a massive economic ripple across Puerto Rico. Reports estimated the concert series generated roughly $200 million in tourism revenue. Hundreds of thousands of visitors traveled to the island for the shows. Hotels, restaurants, and rentals filled throughout the run. For Akon, the achievement shows the unique cultural power Bad Bunny holds in Puerto Rico. Yet his comments also underline Drake’s continued influence as hip-hop’s global measuring stick.

Rapper T.I. is ready to take his beef with 50 Cent to the next level if the rival wants to, according to a new response. In the clip, the King of the South made it clear he does not feel threatened by the possibility of a documentary or any other challenge. Instead, Tip framed the situation as open competition, suggesting the two veterans could settle things in several ways. “We can go bar for bar, hit for hit, or doc for doc,” T.I. said in the video. “Either way all you gon do is show how much of a FN u is. Let’s play. Nobody fears you over here Boo Boo.” TI responds to 50 Cent allegedly developing a documentary on him & his wife pic.twitter.com/oDg0yQbuNf — 2Cool2Blog (@2Cool2Blog) March 6, 2026 The comment quickly circulated online and reignited debate among fans about whether the situation could escalate into a full hip-hop feud. For decades, lyrical clashes have served as a proving ground for rap heavyweights. The response to 50 shows that Tip won’t back down. Meanwhile, 50 Cent built his modern reputation through calculated trolling, sharp humor, and relentless online commentary. The Queens native frequently targets rivals on social media while expanding his media empire through television and film projects. Rapper T.I. Says He’s Ready For Whatever Against 50 Cent After Documentary Comment The beef continues as T.I.’s new song, “Let’em Know,” featuring Pharrell Williams, reaches number one this week on Urban radio. The new hit is the lead single on T.I.’s forthcoming album, Kill The King. 50’s since-deleted post to T.I. also mentioned plans for new music. “New music today,” 50 told followers on Thursday with handclap emojis. While the beef between T.I. and 50 Cent reignited last month, their rivalry spans years. T.I. challenged 50 to a Verzuz during the pandemic. Tip even went as far as reaching out to comedian Kevin Hart to negotiate it. The King of the South has released several diss tracks to get a reaction from 50, including “The Right One.” The rapper’s sons would release diss tracks of their own.

Atlanta rapper Lil Scrappy is staying neutral as tensions continue to simmer between T.I. and 50 Cent. During an Instagram Live session on March 5, 2026, the longtime Southern rapper shared his perspective on the brewing feud while acknowledging his personal history with both hip-hop figures. Scrappy’s relationship with 50 Cent dates back to the mid-2000s, when the Atlanta native briefly joined G-Unit Records. Reflecting on that period during the livestream, Scrappy credited the Queens mogul with reshaping his life and career. “Okay, somebody just ask me how I feel about the T.I./50 Cent shit,” Scrappy said. “When it comes to T.I. and 50, see 50 changed my whole entire life. When he signed me to G-Unit, 50 changed my whole entire life, and I’ll never forget that.” Atlanta rapper Lil Scrappy just weighed in on the back-and-forth between 50 Cent and T.I. and made it clear he’s not picking sides. Scrappy said 50 changed his life when he signed him to G-Unit and he’ll never forget that, but he also showed love to Tip and called him one of the… pic.twitter.com/R2CvXZrN5e — Traps N Trunks (@trapsntrunks) March 5, 2026 Scrappy continued by explaining that the experience left a lasting impact on him both personally and professionally. “I never forget what he taught me. I never forget them days,” he said. “So I got nothing but love for Fif. I ride for homie. He poured a lot of my cup when my cup was empty.” Rapper Lil Scrappy Talks T.I. & 50 Cent Beef, Wants Hip-Hop Verzuz Despite that loyalty, Scrappy made it clear that his respect for T.I. runs just as deep. The two artists share a long history in Atlanta’s rap scene, dating back to the early 2000s when the city’s sound was gaining national traction. “When it comes to T.I., he’s an Atlanta veteran. An Atlanta great. A Southern great,” Scrappy said. “I feel like he got one of the best flows in the whole game.” Because of those ties, Scrappy declined to take sides in the conflict between the two rap heavyweights. “I just don’t get into stuff like that,” he added. “I got love for both of them brothers. I’m just letting them work that out.” Still, Scrappy suggested a more entertaining outcome could have emerged from the tension. He said the moment might have been better suited for a battle on Verzuz. “I do feel like it should have been a Verzuz,” he said. “It would have been amazing. It would have been lit as hell.”

As promised, 50 Cent responds to T.I. and the Harris family’s recent diss tracks with a diss verse in the new Power theme song for the upcoming spin-off, Power: Origins. The beef between T.I. and 50 Cent reignited last month after a Verzuz match-up between them was once again suggested. “Remember how quiet I got before the Diddy doc, Dame thought I wasn’t coming,” 50 Cent commented in a since-deleted Instagram post featuring T.I. and wife on Thursday. “I hope this doesn’t mess up your promo tour, they’re gonna ask about your 20 sexual assault cases. You might want to talk to a crisis PR person. New Music today .” The new music and promised response appeared on Friday morning (March 6) in the unveiling of the new theme song in the Power universe for Power: Origins. Featuring Leon Thomas on the hook, 50 Cent speaks on his old D-Boy ways in the first verse before dissing T.I. in the second verse. On the first verse, 50 raps, “Put it in the pot / Ice cubes, watch it lock / Now look at what we got / I turn a brick to a drop / A fiend’s crib to a spot / A G-pack to a knot…” 50 Cent Has Went In The Booth And Responded 50 Cent has released the new POWER theme song for the new spinoff “POWER ORIGINS”. The track features Leon Thomas and has a new verse from 50. In the verse he says: “N**gas still can’t move me, I’m back on my dope boy grammar, ya… pic.twitter.com/c6XmvCTPlz — Diverse Mentality (@DverseMentality) March 6, 2026 50 Cent shared the new song with the following caption: “50 Cent Ft Leon Thomas (No one told us what we’re here for) POWER ORIGINS theme song! GLG (GreenLightGang).” Dissing T.I., wife Tiny Harris, and sons King and Dormani Harris, 50 raps in the second half of the verse: “N**gas still can’t move me / I’m back on my dope boy grammar / Ya Daddy made ya Momma eat every box in Atlanta.” 50 Cent Disses T.I. & Harris Family In New Power: Origins Theme Song Without names mentioned, fans immediately claimed the lyrics were directed at the King of the South. They instantly took to social media. “Real boss move, respond to the diss with a theme song that’ll get millions of viewership for years to come,” tweeted an X user about the supposed T.I. lines. While some focused on the T.I. disses, others shared their thoughts on the new theme song, calling it a “classic.” An X user commented on 50 Cent’s post: “This snippet is already sounding like a classic. Pairing your gritty storytelling with Leon Thomas’ melodic range (who has been on an absolute tear as a producer and artist lately) is a powerhouse move for the Power Universe.” Enjoying Leon Thomas’s hook, another X user tweeted, “Leon smoking everything he touches.” Power: Origins is the fourth spin-off in the Power Universe. The story will follow the early days of the protagonist characters and best friends Tommy and Ghost (James St. Patrick). 50 Cent will executive produce Power: Origins.

R&B singer Kehlani has confirmed that a new studio album will arrive in April, ending months of speculation from fans awaiting her next era. The Oakland singer shared the update during a recent recording session, revealing that the project is nearly complete. “April,” Kehlani said during the session, confirming the timeline for the long-awaited release. Kehlani’s new album is done and set to be released in April. pic.twitter.com/xebus3fwDh — Rap Alert (@rapalert6) March 5, 2026 The announcement signals a fresh chapter for one of contemporary R&B’s most influential voices. Kehlani built a devoted audience through emotionally direct songwriting and melodic production rooted in soul and modern R&B. Her catalog frequently explores relationships, healing, accountability, and growth, themes that resonate with listeners across generations. While the album title and cover art remain under wraps, the confirmation alone sparked conversation across social media. Fans have waited for a full studio project since her last album cycle, making April a highly anticipated moment. R&B Singer Kehlani’s New Album Drops April, Including “Folded” & “Out The Window” Momentum already surrounds the singer following the release of two standout singles in 2025: “Folded” and “Out The Window.” Both records hinted at the sonic direction she may explore on the forthcoming album. “Folded” quickly connected with fans for its raw emotional honesty. The song navigates complicated relationship dynamics while confronting accountability and personal healing. The production remains minimal, allowing Kehlani’s voice to carry the emotional weight of the record. Meanwhile, “Out The Window” shifts the mood toward a smoother, more atmospheric soundscape. Dreamy instrumentation surrounds her vocals while maintaining the candid storytelling listeners expect from the singer. Together, the two singles kept Kehlani firmly in the R&B conversation. Each release expanded anticipation for the larger body of work arriving in April. For now, details remain limited. However, industry observers expect a full promotional rollout soon, including additional singles, visuals, and interviews that reveal the project’s deeper themes. As anticipation builds, Kehlani’s upcoming album could further cement her role as a defining voice in modern R&B. Fans now wait for the next reveal as April approaches.

For a few hours earlier this week, the internet was convinced Queen Latifah had died. The claim, which began circulating across social media and gossip pages, spread quickly enough that the rapper and actor felt compelled to address it herself. Rather than issue a formal statement, Latifah opted for something simpler: a short video posted directly to her Instagram account. Standing calmly in the clip, she offered a quick greeting before addressing the rumor head-on. “Good morning, it’s me, Latifah,” she said. “I’m 100% A-OK.” The message carried a hint of disbelief at how easily misinformation can travel online. “Can’t believe what you read on the internet or see,” she added, before closing with a casual reassurance: “I’m good. Peace.” The post quickly filled with reactions from fans relieved to see the artist healthy and unfazed. Some treated the rumor with humor, while others expressed frustration at how easily such stories spread. One commenter wrote, “Now who tf tried to kill the Queen??? Jail. Immediately.” Another added, “Love you babygirl! Ain’t nobody believing that nonsense ,” while a third kept it simple: “We love you .” View this post on Instagram Another Celebrity Death Hoax Goes Viral Death hoaxes have become a recurring feature of internet culture, often gaining traction through reposts before being disproved. Earlier this year, rapper Chief Keef was the subject of a similar rumor. A viral message claimed he had been shot several times while returning to Chicago to film a video. The post read: “Popular Rapper ‘Chief Keef’ has reportedly been shot 6x in the face after returning to O’block after 15 years to film a music video, he is currently on life support. Pray for Chief Keef.” The claim quickly spread across platforms before being challenged by people close to the artist. Chief Keef’s manager, Idris Dykes, addressed the rumor in an interview with Fox 32 Chicago. “No, this is false,” he said. “Keef has not been to Chicago since he did Summer Smash two years ago.” False reports of celebrity deaths have circulated for years, occasionally involving figures such as Eminem, Jackie Chan, and Tom Cruise.

A recent media debate about Kendrick Lamar, Drake, and authenticity in hip-hop led to an unexpected exchange between cultural critic Michael Eric Dyson and Jay-Z. Dyson revealed that the Roc Nation founder reached out privately after the scholar publicly criticized Lamar’s 2024 single “Not Like Us.” Consequently, the conversation, Dyson said, was pointed but respectful. The debate began after Dyson appeared on the podcast Mohr Stories last month. During the discussion, he argued that Lamar’s questioning of Drake’s identity in the song echoed a broader pattern of dividing cultural insiders from outsiders. Furthermore, Dyson framed his critique through a political analogy. He compared the theme to rhetoric used to exclude immigrant communities. Days later, Dyson revisited the topic in a 17-minute Instagram video, clarifying what he meant. The comparison, he said, was not meant to equate Lamar with a political figure but to examine a recurring narrative about belonging. In Dyson’s view, Drake’s work is inseparable from Black musical tradition. He pointed to the artist’s Memphis roots and family ties. These family ties connect him to figures such as Aretha Franklin and Sly and the Family Stone. View this post on Instagram Jay-Z privately pushed back on Dyson’s take on the Drake–Kendrick rivalry Not long after those remarks circulated online, Dyson said he received a message from Jay-Z. The two men know each other personally, and Dyson described the call as direct but thoughtful. “He hit me up and vigorously disagreed with my particular position,” Dyson said. “He said it with dignity. He said it with respect. He articulated his ideal intelligently. I responded to him. We went back and forth for a minute.” Dyson later shared with Jay-Z an opinion essay he wrote for The Philadelphia Citizen examining the Drake-Lamar rivalry and its cultural implications. According to Dyson, Jay-Z read the piece carefully and responded without hostility. “What I love about Jay is that he’s not arrogant,” Dyson said. “He’s got more reason to be arrogant than anybody we’re talking to, including myself, on this darn internet and social media.” He continued by praising the tone of the disagreement. “And yet he chose to be gracious, vigorous, clear and transparent about his disagreement. But he did not get nasty and vicious with me.” Jay-Z has been publicly supportive of Lamar in recent years. As a key figure behind the Super Bowl halftime show, he helped bring Lamar to the stage in 2024. At the time, he described the rapper as a “once-in-a-generation artist and performer.”